A 19th century American boarding pike

[fernando]

Amazing that, over here, the term pike is only attributed to those rather long ones used by infantry (Pike men). These 'short' boarding ones we (Portuguese) call them chuços and the Spaniards, chuzos.
Just for the sake of comparison, i will show here three mid 19th century Spanish variations; the first one, four faceted, with a 9 1/2" head, a 8 foot total length and 1 1/2 pole diameter; the second one, with approx. the same length, a slightly thinner pole and a rather long head 15 1/2". And the third one, a kind of a bizarre variation, with twin short heads (less than 6") one in each end of the pole. The total length less than 5 foot, the pole diameter 1 1/4".
(Courtesy B. Barceló Rubi)

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[M ELEY]

Thank you for posting these, Fernando! I had heard of the rare, two-headed version, but only seen drawing of it and not the real deal! A very interesting type! I'd love to have one in my collection!

[fernando]

Originally Posted by M ELEY

... A very interesting type! I'd love to have one in my collection!

I shall see to it, Captain .

[M ELEY]

Originally Posted by fernando

I shall see to it, Captain .

I'll hold you to it! Actually, this design would have to be used very carefully on a crowded deck. Otherwise, as Dmitri pointed out (pardon the pun!), you could easily stab the guy behind you!

[fernando]

Originally Posted by M ELEY

I'll hold you to it! Actually, this design would have to be used very carefully on a crowded deck. Otherwise, as Dmitri pointed out (pardon the pun!), you could easily stab the guy behind you!

Perhaps this was a weapon for resource, for when the guys on your back were also part of the enemy .

[M ELEY]

Originally Posted by fernando

Perhaps this was a weapon for resource, for when the guys on your back were also part of the enemy .

Ahh, well in that case, I need one of these at my work!

Thank you for clearing up the mystery of bough versus bow!

[Dmitry]

A two-bladed pike?! I wouldn't want to be in the second row...